Reports: ‘Housewives’ Cast Need To Undergo Psychological Tests Now

Written by Michael Lambarde on Sep. 03, 2011

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will air as planned this Monday, but according to a new report, Bravo will be requiring stars of the reality series to take psychological tests to possibly prevent another Russell Armstrong-like suicide occurrence from taking place.

A cast member reportedly told The Huffington Post that their new contracts will require them to go through psychological testing before they begin work on the show — a requirement that wasn’t necessary prior to Russell Armstrong’s suicide last month.

The death of Armstrong gave the cable network negative publicity from both critics as well as Armstrong’s family, who at one point claimed that they were looking to sue the network.

“Bravo is at fault and somebody needs to pay,” Armstrong’s step-brother Wade Jackson told RadarOnline. “Russell’s whole family was very close and they’re considering suing Bravo. He also put part of the blame on Armstrong’s estranged wife, Taylor Armstrong, who allegedly pushed him to appear on the reality series in the first place.

The premiere episode has already been re-edited and will likely feature a reduced role of the Armstrong couple, though they were reportedly a focal point in the premiere, according to people who saw a screening earlier this summer.